Chapter 1-2
790 Words
Dylan held Heaven as her body trembled against his. He did his best to block the cool air drifting from the window, hoping it would comfort her. The fear paralyzing his mind dissipated when she relaxed into him.
She was safe, but whatever caused the turmoil within her heart remained there. Their bond thrummed with it even though he sensed her trying to mask her feelings.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I think so.”
He cradled her in one arm before hooking the other behind her knees. Lifting her was effortless. He did it with one swift movement.
After a wave of panic had woken him, he didn’t know what state of mind she would be in. Whatever happened shook her to her soul. Admitting something was wrong meant Heaven felt the need to keep something from him. The way she avoided eye contact only confirmed his suspicion.
What a kick in the stomach.
He pushed back his disappointment and proceeded to the bed when she wrapped her arms around his neck. The sooner he got her back in bed, the quicker he would find out what happened. He needed answers. If the vibes she emitted didn’t diminish, he would lose his mind.
Once the mattress cradled her, he curled up beside her and searched for any signs of physical stress. When he found none, he rechecked their connection, hoping to get a better sense of what internal battle had her heart racing.
Nothing.
Damn it! Whatever upset her had their bond fluctuating. It was impossible to read her emotions. Looked like he’d have to get his answers the old-fashioned way.
“Heaven, what’s wrong?”
Her body tensed again, as did their connection. After everything they’d been through, why would she keep something from him?
“You know you can talk to me about anything. Please. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“I’m sorry.” She leaned up long enough to pull the sheet to her waist. “I didn’t want to burden you.”
“Burden me?” he scoffed. “Nothing about you is a burden.”
Heaven peered over her shoulder. What he wasn’t able to sense in their bond played like a familiar song in her eyes. Worry. Uncertainty. Regret.
He kissed her shoulder before moving to her lips. Even though the hum between them hadn’t returned to normal, the conflict within her began to recede. He could breathe again.
“This is about tomorrow, isn’t it?” He waited for her to respond, but she did so with a slight nod of her head. “Are you having second thoughts about marrying me?”
“No!” She flipped over to face him. “Can’t you sense how much I love you? Check our connection if you have any doubts.”
He’d like to, but the way their bond kept fluctuating…
Something was causing a disturbance. He’d felt her emotions since they first met, perhaps even longer. The more powerful her feelings, the better he could sense them. So what changed? Her love for him? He prayed not. If she ever stopped loving him, he’d never survive.
“Hey.” The warmth of her hand on his cheek erased all the negative thoughts. “You’re not doubting what I said, are you?”
“I’m fine,” he answered, “but you’re not.”
“Tomorrow is a big day for us. I’m nervous. I can’t help it.”
When she buried her face in his chest, he held her tight. He said, “It’s just your sisters and our friends. They’ll be happy for us.”
“Everyone but Layne.”
He lifted her chin until her breath tickled his face. “Don’t worry about Layne’s reaction. He’s protective of me. Once he sees how committed we are, he’ll come around.”
“I hope,” she said with a yawn.
Though he could sense there was more bothering her, their connection steadied. He decided not to pressure her. She would talk when she was ready. She needed sleep. So did he.
“Get some rest,” he whispered. “Tomorrow will be great.”
“Okay.”
A touch of disappointment invaded his heart when she settled back against her pillow. He wasn’t ready to lose their physical connection. Instead of rolling over, he tucked his head between her shoulder and neck.
Each time her chest rose and fell, his face grew heavier. Damn. He wanted to make sure she fell asleep before he did, but his brain refused to cooperate.
“I love you,” he whispered, cradling her body in his arms.
“I love you too,” she answered. At least, he thought she did.
- Writer
